Steam Turbines

Further experimentation with steam engines led to the development of steam turbines, which used steam from the boilers to turn fan blades at high speed

This mechanical energy was harnessed to turn the propeller shaft. In 1897 British engineer and visionary Charles Parsons captured the attention of the British navy and royal family with his ship, Turbinia, the world's first steam turbine-driven vessel. Parsons piloted Turbinia through a parade of British naval ships at an astounding 34.5 knots (63 km/h; 39 mph), shocking all in attendance. The Royal Navy's fastest ships gave chase but could not catch up to the speeding Turbinia. Two years later Britain launched the first steam turbine-driven warship, HMS Viper, which made 36.5 knots.